Editorial Early Careers
We offer a wide variety of entry level and internship opportunities for budding journalists across the FT Newsroom.
LOOKING TO KICK START YOUR CAREER IN JOURNALISM?
The FT is proud to offer internships offering an insight into the world of journalism.
Internships will be as varied as the news agenda, but we are looking for people who can be flexible enough to research and write their own stories in consultation with editors, assist senior correspondents with reporting, help with curation and take on digital projects that augment our coverage.
LONDON BASED INTERNSHIPS
We offer regular 12 weeks desk placements in the newsroom and across FT Weekend .
Tasks may include:
- Fact check print and online stories
- Assist editors with research tasks (press contacts, information on interview subjects)
- House-keeping duties, such as collating diversity data
- Curating and organising content
- Contribute to social media content
- Opportunity to pitch story ideas
These internships are offered to graduates on the following desks:
Opinion & Analysis : For graduates with study/experience in financial/business journalism and/or an interest in Opinion/Comment. Applications next opening Summer 2026, to start in September 2026.
Life & Arts : For graduates with an interest in global lifestyle, arts, books and culture.
FT Weekend Magazine: For graduates with an interest in magazine journalism covering everything from global news to gastronomy to culture. Applications next opening Summer 2026, to start in September 2026.
We also offer internships twice a year on:
HTSI: For aspiring journalists with an interest in fashion, arts, culture, food and travel. Applications next opening Summer 2026, to start in September 2026.
All are 35 hours per week and paid at the London Living Wage.
FINANCIAL TIMES EDITORIAL APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME
This 18 month scheme is aimed at helping young people under-represented groups - without a degree - get into journalism.
Apprentices will study for an NCTJ journalism qualification while working at the Manchester Evening News and the FT.
Applications from candidates living in the Greater Manchester area are particularly welcome.
Next opening: 2026
EDITORIAL FELLOWSHIPS
The FT has 3 regular fellowships, each for 6 months:
Maisie Hylton Fellowship for aspiring production journalists from under-represented groups in partnership with Creative Access. Next opening: Autumn 2026
Sir Samuel Brittan Fellowship for early career applicants with expertise and interest in economic themes and thinking. Next opening: Autumn 2026.
Marjorie Deane for promising journalists who would like to research and write about finance and business. Next opening: Autumn 2026.
OTHER LONDON BASED INTERNSHIPS
Other desk internships arise throughout the year, including but not limited to:
FT- Aziz Foundation internship for aspiring journalists who are Aziz Foundation scholars looking for newsroom experience
NCTJ industry placements for journalists studying for their NCTJ qualification.
All London internships are paid at the London Living Wage.
NEW YORK BASED INTERNSHIPS
New York Based Internships
Our 10 week paid summer internships in New York City offer aspiring journalists the opportunity to gain real world experience in a global newsroom, develop their skills and learn from experienced reporters and editors.
Whether your interests lie in reporting, podcasting, audience engagement or data journalism, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work while building valuable connections across the FT.
Explore our internship opportunities
We offer internships across four newsroom teams:
Gain experience researching, reporting and contributing to stories alongside FT reporters and editors.
Explore audio journalism through podcast research, development and production.
Discover how we connect our journalism with audiences through social media, newsletters and digital engagement.
Use data to uncover stories, identify trends and help communicate complex information in compelling ways.
More than an internship
At the FT, our internships are designed to provide more than practical experience. You'll be part of a supportive learning environment, with opportunities to develop professionally, build your network and connect with colleagues across the newsroom.
As part of the programme, you'll benefit from:
Professional development workshops to build your knowledge and skills.
A dedicated FT buddy to help you navigate your internship.
Networking opportunities with FT journalists and leaders.
An intern hackathon to collaborate, exchange ideas and develop creative solutions.
Community engagement opportunities to connect beyond your day to day work.
Hear from our former interns
Wondering what it's really like to intern at the Financial Times?
Hear directly from our former interns as they share their experiences, the projects they worked on and what they took away from their time with us here
PAUL MCCLEAN GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAMME
Our Paul McClean graduate trainee programme recruits and trains entry-level journalists from all walks of life for a long-term career at one of the world’s leading, and most respected, news organisations.
It is a graduate trainee programme not an internship or fellowship: it is a full-time contract as a trainee Financial Times journalist. We look for talented, driven reporters who want to develop an FT career in financial journalism and global affairs; people who are curious about the world, strongly committed to serious journalism and who enjoy the thrill of nailing a good story.
Successful applicants to the three-year programme join us in September each year. They receive seven weeks of in-house training, then have four six-month stints on different news desks, including one overseas posting. In the third year, the trainee applies for their first dedicated job. Mentoring, feedback and further training are provided throughout.
Applications will open in December 2026.